On Friday night, New Ipswich gave a nod to its 275th Anniversary year by hosting a long-held tradition – the contra dance.

The dances were called by Sandy Lafleur, with the band manned by John Chambers on accordion, John Rosenfelder on upright bass, and Jo-Ann Lund and Dave Fox on the fiddle.

The dance was held at The Club at Oak Hill on Old Country Road, once known as the Souhegan Country Club – and it has a long history associated with dances in town. One of The Club’s walls boasts an original flyer, calling for a social dance in the year of ‘08 – meaning 1908, not 2008 – complete with a 25 cent entrance fee and ice cream for a dime.

“If you look around the room, you can see the posters,” said Ray Holmes, who owns The Club building. He said that it’s a tradition that will revive at least once more this summer, hosting another contra dance later this summer, put on by the town’s Historical Society.

Lafleur, who is also an organizer of the regular Milford Contra Dance, said that contra dance has a long history, particularly in the region, where the town of Nelson has been hosting a dance for more than 100 years. But it’s also a living entity – new dances and songs are still being created all the time. Peterborough’s late Bob McQuillen was a prolific writer of contra dance tunes, which are still performed all over, Lafleur said. She said contra dance is a more relaxed form of a traditional English country dance, but less formal and refined.

“Contra dance is a bit more exuberant, and it’s very accessible – that’s what I like about it,” said Lafleur. “Anyone can do it.”

In fact, of the participants in Friday’s dance, only four had extensive contra dance experience, Lafleur said. But contra dance relies on a walking step in time to the music, employing “figures” – specific movement patterns – that show up again and again in various dances, making it easy to learn as you go. Lafleur walked the dancers through the figures first, without music, sometimes telling the story of the song – a French girl who outdances her suitor, goes one such storyline.

“It’s a wonderful way of engaging in community, and can’t think of any activity that breaks down the age barrier like contra dance does. Everyone can interact,” said Lafleur.

The New Ipswich Historical Society will host a contra dace at The Club at Oak Hill on 290 Old Country Road in New Ipswich on Aug. 8, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. No experience is required.

For more information about contra dances near you, visit trycontra.com.

The town will be hosting events related to its 275th Anniversary throughout the year. Upcoming events include a lecture on June 24 at the Millbrick House on 99 River Road, relating to New Ipswich’s ties to American Sign Language.

On Sunday, July 27, at the Barrett House, on Main Street, there will be a bring-your-own lunch picnic. The lawn will host games, and there will be old-timey costumes provided for those who would like to have a historical Polaroid photo.

The town is currently seeking sponsorships to help support their Anniversary events. Sponsorship support helps fund banners for Main Street, commemorative ornaments, T-shirts, and community events throughout the year. Donation levels range from $50 to $500, with banner sponsorship starting at $400, which includes the business name on a Main Street banner and public recognition in event materials and online. Goods and services are also accepted as sponsorship participation. Those interested should contact Debbie Deaton at townadmin@newipswichnh.gov or 603-878-2772, ext. 422.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She ‘s on X @AshleySaariMLT.